Mr. Ibu: Nollywood’s legends, celebrities set to storm Enugu for Night-of-Tributes

* CPC debunks news of Ibu’s family begging for funds

By Christian Agadibe

CONTRARY to speculation and misinformation from a group of people who have been sponsoring fake news about the burial arrangement for late John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, the Central Planning Committee (CPC), made up of some notable friends and family members of the late actor, have distanced themselves from such publications on social media sponsored by some evil minds and published online (not TheArtHubNg) concerning late Mr. Ibu’s burial with the caption: “Family, friends beg for funds to bury Mr. Ibu.”

The Central Planning Committee noted that the said publication was made with the intention to ridicule Okafor’s family as beggars by giving out denigrating stories concerning the late actor.

Reacting to the publication, the committee Chairman, Mr. Monday Diamond Ani, debunked such stories that malign the late Mr. Ibu and his family, describing them as “manipulating, malicious, fabricated and engineered by the evil gang against Mr. Ibu even while on sick bed and after his death.”

Mr. Ani noted that the Central Planning Committee, not minding the several millions of naira spent on the late John Okafor while he was being treated in several hospitals, has made plans towards Mr. Ibu’s burial. The plans include the erection of billboards across Enugu State, organising a star-studded tribute performance which will hold at the Base Event Center, Enugu, a novelty match in honour Mr. Ibu and other commitments towards making the burial historical.

“It is important to note that the Nigh-of Tribute, which is coming up on June 26, will be preceded by a novelty match which will be played on June 25 between celebrities and personalities against Rangers International Football Club of Enugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu,” Ani stated.

He therefore warned ‘evil-doers, image destroyers of celebrities on social media’ to desist from tarnishing Mr. Ibu’s personality to avoid the wrath of God.

Comic genius John Okafor (Mr. Ibu) goes home

“I want to make it categorically clear that there was never a time when such publication emanated from us,” he said. “It’s the handwork of some miscreants, enemies of progress who must have wished for Mr. Ibu’s death and are perhaps happy that Mr. Ibu is no more and want to tarnish the name of Mr. Ibu and the Okafor family in general. It is a fact that funds are being raised to support the burial of Mr ibu which is customary in Igbo land where well-wishers contribute funds to support the burial. Some will even bring live cows, provide financial support, provide help in logistics and that’s what is happening in the case of Mr Ibu. So, it is not a taboo.

“However, for someone to come out on social media to say that the Okafor family needs funds to bury Mr. Ibu is a lie from the pit of hell and should be disregarded. Mr. Ibu was the king of comedy movies in Africa and represented Nigeria as far as motion pictures is concerned and will be buried not like a kid, but as the legend that he was! It is important to note that the Night-of-Tribute which will be heralded by candlelight procession and an all-white dress code will showcase mega performances from gospel music artistes, comedians, goodwill speeches from Nollywood legends, personalities, technocrats, and captains of industry.

Among the artistes expected are Rudeboy, Flavour, Odumeje, Apkororo, Chinyere Udoma, Gozie okeke, Felix Ndukwe, Paul Nwokocha, Able Cee, Anyidons, and Kola Boy, just to mention few. Star appearance includes Chief Pete Edochie (MON), Osuofia, Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), Osita Iheme (Paw Paw) and Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Mercy Johnson, Rachel Okonkwo (NKOLI), Destiny Etiko, Chinwe Owo, Victor Osuagu, Charles Anwurum, Ngozi Ezeonu, Actors Guild of Nigeria President, Amb. Emeka Rollas, and many other star actors.

Ani further added, “A documentary on the life and times of John Okafor will be showcased. A series of billboards about Mr. Ibu’s burial have already been mounted on strategic locations in Enugu. Radio announcements heralding the burial schedule are also on the air. This is part of the process of giving him a befitting burial because he was an African movie legend and comedy king.”

The Central Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Ani also use the opportunity to thank Enugu State Government for the support given so far especially in the provision of all needed accommodations for special guests at the famous Nike Lake Hotel Resort, provision of Coaster buses that will convey special guests throughout the burial and some funding as well. Ani also commended Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin of Mercyland Deliverance Ministries, Warri for his kind support, the management of Villa Toscana Hotels and all the friends and well-wishers of Mr. Ibu who have supported the burial in one way or the other.

* Agadibe is CEO of Artmatazz Media